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A man is facing 35 charges in relation to a number of break and enters at homes across St. John's — after he was caught in the act this week.

William Pearce, 29, is alleged to have broken into the homes between Feb. 26 and March 19.

Pearce was arrested while ransacking a home on Mount Royal Avenue late Tuesday afternoon. The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary charged him with break and enter, possession of break-in tools and breaches of court orders.

On Wednesday, investigators laid about 20 additional charges in connection with other recent break-ins around the city.

Stolen items included jewellery, cash and electronics.

According to police, Christine Care's home on Mount Royal Avenue was one of ten that Pearce allegedly broke into.

Care was babysitting at her daughter's home on Tuesday afternoon when she received a phone call from a neighbour, informing her that her home was being robbed in broad daylight.

To get inside the residence, a potted tree had been thrown through a window. Neighbourhood Watch called the Constabulary, and they caught Pearce red-handed.

Care said he worked quickly, and gathered her jewellery boxes into a bag.

Victim feels violated

She said the experience has been a real violation.

"I mean, I'm a senior, and I don't have a lot of spare income, so I was angry that someone would do something like that to me," said Care. "Angry that someone would destroy my property .. going through my stuff, hoping to steal from me. It really upset me."

The ordeal has also left Care anxious.

"I'm more jittery than I thought I would be," she said. "I was in bed that night, the wind blew something up against my house, and I literally came right out of the bed."

Constabulary Const. Talia Murphy said the crimes were daytime robberies, and that entry was gained mostly through the rear of the homes.

"We are advising homeowners to ensure that their properties are secured," said Murphy. "If they notice anything suspicious, or if their neighbours notice anything suspicious, contact the RNC immediately."

Murphy said the investigation is ongoing, and more charges are possible. The other burglaries occurred on Musgrave Street, Jasper Street, Quebec Street, LeMarchant Road, Patrick Street, Casey Street, Hamilton Avenue and Linscott Street.

Pearce already has a nine-page criminal record. He's being held in custody and is scheduled to appear in court April 4.